FPA Patent Attorneys 2018 Senior Associate Promotions

Two highly talented patent attorneys with expertise in electronics and mechanical engineering have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to FPA Patent Attorneys (FPA) with promotion to Senior Associate.

“A critical factor in their success is their ability to live our core values – to consistently deliver excellent service and care to our clients, while at the same time contributing to our overall firm success. We take enormous pride in being a workplace that attracts such outstanding talent, passion and enthusiasm” said Managing Director and Principal James Cherry in announcing the promotions of Akanksha Dahiya and Alister McCowan from the firm’s Sydney office.

After earning degrees in electronics and telecommunications engineering in 2007, Akanksha gained a broad range of experience over a number of years with roles in other IP firms (both in Australia and India) and as an in-house IP Professional for General Electric’s Global Research Centre in India. She joined FPA in 2015.

Akanksha has significant expertise in preparing and prosecuting patent applications, and conducting validity and freedom to operate assessments, particularly in the telecommunications, electronics, and software engineering technologies.

“This promotion gives me the opportunity to work more closely with clients and help mentor new attorneys/trainees – which are both aspects of the job I particularly enjoy” said Akanksha.

In 2016, Akanksha was awarded the prestigious Institute Prize from the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA), the peak industry body representing Australian registered patent attorneys.

Alister also commenced with FPA in 2015, having previously qualified as a European Patent Attorney with a premier European intellectual property law firm in Germany. Transferring his skill set to a new jurisdiction, Alister gained his Trans-Tasman patent attorney registration earlier this year.

With degrees in mechanical engineering and law, Alister has developed particular expertise in the areas of automotive and industrial engineering, medical devices, andconsumer goods. His current practice includes all aspects of the preparation and prosecution of patent and design applications, with a focus on contentious matters based on his extensive experience with opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office.

“Working at FPA has given me the opportunity to challenge myself professionally, and to leverage my European experience within a fantastic team while achieving the best outcomes for our clients”, said Alister .

Whilst undertaking the Master of Intellectual Property Law at the University of Technology Sydney, Alister was awarded the prize for the best performing student in 2017 in the subject of Drafting of Patent Specifications.

The promotion of Akanksha and Alister follows last year’s elevation of three senior attorneys to Principal - Dr Adam Denley, Daneta Crump and Dr Karen Bentley. In addition, Principal Chris Bird joined FPA as a lateral last year in September.